By Isle of Wight Observer
At Ryde Rowing Club’s AGM on November 15, Steve Cook was re-elected as club president, Paddy Kearney was elected as club captain, replacing Ben Sanderson who stepped down. Isaac Gibson replaced Paddy Kernary as vice/rowing captain.
Following the formal business, the Club held its annual presentation evening with more than 70 members and guests in attendance at Appley Park club-house.
The season saw the club enjoy thirty-three wins in Hants & Dorset ARA events, and twenty-two second places, including the Open Men’s Junior Senior Fours at the South Coast Championship Regatta in September.
Ben Sanderson and Paddy Kearney presented the Club Awards – with traditional “First H&D ARA Rowing Win for Club” spoons to Maggie Sanderson, Alexis Owen, Emily Kellerman, Mai Read, Ben Robotham, Yogi Ashworth, Joe Roberts, Joe Bird and Lottie Pettitt. The 1st Year Oars Lady Award went to Emily Kellerman, and the 1st Year Oarsman to Finn Diffey. The Coxswain’s Cup was awarded jointly to Harry Watts and Ruby Reid. The Oars Lady-of-the-Year trophy was presented to Alexis Owen and the Oarsman-of-the-Year to Joe Roberts. The Coach’s Cup was awarded to Joe Bird. The Committee Cup was presented to Ben Rowbotham, with the Captain’s Cup going to Maggie Sanderson and the Cadet Rep Trophy to Lars Groothuis.